Inconsistent %[SeqNum] numbering based on bookmark selection method in "Add Text To Bookmark Title"

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rakunavi
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Inconsistent %[SeqNum] numbering based on bookmark selection method in "Add Text To Bookmark Title"

Post by rakunavi »

Hello all,

I have noticed a strange behavior when using the "%[SeqNum]" macro in the "Add Text To Bookmark Title" dialog.

Even if the final set of selected bookmarks is identical, the sequence numbers assigned vary depending on the specific method used to select them. I previously assumed that the results would be consistent regardless of the selection process, but my testing shows otherwise.

To demonstrate this, I selected 10 bookmarks (from "Page 6" to "Page 15") using six different methods (A through F) and added "%[SeqNum] - " to the beginning of the titles.

  • figure1.png
Selection Methods & Results:
  1. Dragging the mouse from "Page 6" down to "Page 15".
  2. Clicking "Page 6", then Shift + clicking "Page 15".
  3. Dragging from the lower half of "Page 15" up to "Page 6".
  4. Dragging from the upper half of "Page 15" up to "Page 6".
  5. Clicking "Page 15", then Shift + clicking "Page 6".
  6. Selecting each bookmark with Ctrl + click in a specific non-sequential order: "Page 6, 15, 7, 14, 8, 13, 9, 12, 10, 11".
  • figure2.png

    video.webm
  • sample.pdf
Key Observations:
The results for C and D are particularly noteworthy. Even when dragging over the same range, the outcome changes depending on whether the drag starts from the upper or lower half of the initial bookmark.

  • figure3.png
While the behavior in C, D, E, and F feels counterintuitive, I realize that the behavior in Method F (Ctrl + click) might actually be a useful feature, as it allows users to intentionally control the numbering sequence by the order of selection.

In most Windows applications, the result of an operation depends on what is selected, not how it was selected. However, in this case, the software seems to prioritize the selection order/method, which leads to inconsistent results.

Could you please clarify if these variations are intended by design?

Best regards,
rakunavi

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Daniel - PDF-XChange
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Re: Inconsistent %[SeqNum] numbering based on bookmark selection method in "Add Text To Bookmark Title"

Post by Daniel - PDF-XChange »

Hello, rakunavi

Thank you for the report. I have passed this along for review.

Kind regards,
Dan McIntyre - Support Technician
PDF-XChange Co. LTD

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rakunavi
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Re: Inconsistent %[SeqNum] numbering based on bookmark selection method in "Add Text To Bookmark Title"

Post by rakunavi »

Hello Daniel, thank you for contacting developers.

The same result occurs when using the "Find and Replace Bookmark Text" feature with the %[SeqNum] macro.
Just for your reference.

  • figure.png
Best regards,
rakunavi
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Sean - PDF-XChange
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Re: Inconsistent %[SeqNum] numbering based on bookmark selection method in "Add Text To Bookmark Title"

Post by Sean - PDF-XChange »

Hi Rakunavi - thanks for the further informatinon, the development team will take that on board when they take a look at this.

Kind regards,
Sean Godley
Technical Writer
PDF-XChange Co LTD
Sales: +1 (250) 324-1621
Fax: +1 (250) 324-1623